Why Mahira Khan is the next big thing in Bollywood

Mahira Khan – the Pakistani beauty and actress – is ready to carve a niche in Bollywood. She begins her ride with none other than superstar Shah Rukh Khan in `Raees`.

While anybody can give an arm and a leg to be in her place, Mahira has been chosen to romance king Khan, leaving other B-Town divas far behind in the race.

Zee Zindagi's popular Pakistani TV series `Humsafar` electrified the television ratings in India in 2014. And almost everyone in India fell under the spell of the dapper Fawad Khan and the timeless beauty Mahira Khan's love saga.

The short teleseries became a hot favourite in the first place probably because of the presence of Fawad – who had already stolen many hearts and made an impact with his Bollywood debut `Khoobsurat` opposite Sonam Kapoor.

I too gave in to peer pressure and there I was – just stunned by what I experienced. An honest confession – Fawad was the main reason I started watching `Humsafar`. But eventually was completely blown away by Mahira's character.

Now, I know that no one was kidding when heaping Mahira with praises.

The innocent charm that she brought to the character of 'Khirad', the turmoil that she went through – a journey that each woman can connect with. There was neither melodrama nor an excess of emotional wreckage unlike Indian soaps. Mahira came with a whiff of fresh air on-screen, setting the show apart from the regular humdrum of Indian TV.

She made her film début with the Pakistani movie `Bol`, but it was only when `Humsafar` was aired in India, that she caught the eye on this side of the border. She has everything it takes to reach the pinnacle in Bollywood.

The stunning Pakistani beauty is capable of giving sleepless nights to B-Town beauties and why not?

While names like Katrina Kaif and other Bollywood big heroines are still counted on the top, Mahira bagging the lead role in 'Raees' speaks volumes about her talent.

Her boundless popularity in Pakistan, and now in India is an added advantage to her. Given the fact that she is not new to acting, and the announcement of her début with SRK, has given rise to expectations all around.

Actresses who have made their début with King Khan, like Deepika and Anushka, have gone on to become one of the most sought after actresses in B-Town. Mahira is the latest to join the bandwagon, and one can be sure that she too will achieve no less.

Mahira is an embodiment of effortless beauty and unkempt attraction. More importantly, it seems she is unaffected by the glamour. Her sensitive portrayal of any role warms up her hazel eyes and her smile could hold you captive.

More than being beautiful, she is a natural actor. She laughs, you find yourself smiling, she cries and your heart reaches out to her. And surprisingly, she casts this effect all through her act. She plays her roles with conviction, and her work is a testimony to that. She knows her job and knows it well. One cannot find a trace of melodrama in her acting style.

Unlike Bollywood, Mahira does not need to do a dance sequence or shed clothes to win over the audience. And we hope to see her continue playing meaningful roles. Her fan base in India is on the rise due to her performance in 'Humsafar'.

Now, the mother to five year-old Azlaan, Mahira started out as a VJ at the age of 16, and went on to become a successful name in the Pakistani drama industry.

Mahira can easily give unmarried B-Town divas a run for their money. Post motherhood too, she is striving to reach the top. Mahira is one of the many examples disproving the notion that careers post marriage come to an end for women. A balanced mother, wife and actress - Mahira knows exactly what she wants.

She has the reputation of being extra choosy and doing only one project a year. But she makes sure that she excels in what she chooses.

So, Bollywood -- bring Mahira over! We are ready to fall in love with her on the big screen as well, while she gives the contemporary beauties of B-Town a mighty tough competition.